Bob Welch Dies – Watch the Former Fleetwood Mac Member’s Best Videos

Aficionados of smooth, '70s AM Gold soft rock are saddened today by news of the passing of former Fleetwood Mac member and 'Sentimental Lady' singer Bob Welch. The cause of death has been ruled a suicide from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974, Welch sang and played guitar on several of the bands albums during their early blues rock days. After quitting the band, Welch was replaced with Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, leading to the group's iconic 'Fleetwood Mac' and 'Rumours' albums. While his time with Fleetwood Mac wasn't as iconic as the group's later work, he did first record his hits 'Sentimental Lady' and 'Hypnotized' with the band.

As a solo artist, Welch achieved success with the albums 'French Kiss' and 'Three Hearts.' In addition to a rerecorded version of 'Sentimental Lady' featuring Fleetwood Mac member Christine McVie on backing vocals that was a Billboard Top 10 hit, Welch is also remembered for the up-tempo rockers 'Ebony Eyes' and 'Precious Love.'

While Welch's relationship with the members of Fleetwood Mac was contentious (he sued the band over royalties and wasn't invited to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998), many of the band members performed and wrote songs on his solo albums. (As Welch himself revealed on Ultimate Classic Rock, Lindsey Buckingham produced, played guitar and sang on 'Sentimental Lady.') Stevie Nicks, who sang with Welch on his song 'Devil Wind,' released a statement saying that Welch's death was "devastating."

Watch some of Welch's best videos and performances below. We'll remember Welch for his smooth music and killer style (the ladies can't resist his tiny microphone and sweet shades).